Economics MA(SocSci)/BAcc/BSc/LLB/MA

In studying economics you will learn how individuals and society make choices about how scarce resources are used, what products are produced and who gets to consume them. These choices depend on evaluating costs, benefits, risks and effects on others.

Programme structure

You will study the principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics and will have the opportunity to develop an interest in fields such as government policy, developing countries, the economics of business, and international trade and finance. You will be exposed to different schools of thought and you will also have the opportunity to develop an interest in fields such as government policy, developing countries and international trade.

Years 3 and 4

If you progress to Honours (years 3 and 4)you will take courses in microeconomic analysis and macroeconomic analysis. You will also take courses in econometrics, which involves the statistical techniques of economic analysis.

In year 4 the compulsory course on government and the economy puts the skills you have developed in your first three years into action by studying current policy issues.

You can also choose from a wide range of other courses, studying topics such as environmental economics, government debt, international finance, economics of housing, economics of team sport, public economics, mathematical methods, economics of banking, experimental economics and heterodox economics.

Programme alteration or discontinuationThe University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Legal statements: Disclaimer.

Our international links

You can apply to spend part or all of your third year at another university within the EU as part of the Erasmus+ Programme. Alternatively, you can apply to study further afield in the United States, Canada, South America, Australia or New Zealand. See Study abroad.

Entry requirements

Academic entry requirementsfor entry in 2018

About entry requirements

SQA Highers

The standard academic entry requirements represent the grades which, if attained in addition to successfully meeting mandatory subject requirements, and any non-academic entry requirements (interviews, auditions, aptitude tests), will normally result in an offer being made. Students must achieve the standard entry requirements in first sitting (by end of S5).

We adjust the standard academic and non-academic entry requirements at both S5 and S6 for eligible applicants who complete one of our pre-entry programmes. Criteria for eligibility include attending a Scottish target secondary school, living in a priority Scottish postcode, are currently living or have spent time living in care. For more information about your eligibility and our pre-entry programmes, please see: Access Glasgow.

The minimum academic entry requirements indicate the minimum grades that must be achieved, by the end of S5, for an offer to be considered. For some degree programmes, offers (either conditional or unconditional) may be made below the standard academic entry requirements. Where a conditional offer is made, the S5 & S6 cumulative requirements detail the grades that would be necessary by the end of S6. Students must also meet any subject and non-academic requirements stated.

A-levels and International Baccalaureate

The standard academic entry requirements represent the grades at which any possible offer would be made. Students must also meet mandatory subject requirements and any non-academic entry requirements (interviews, auditions, aptitude tests).

The minimum academic entry requirements indicate the minimum grades the university will accept for entry to this programme. Students must also meet mandatory subject requirements and any non-academic entry requirements (interviews, auditions, aptitude tests).

A-levels

Highers

Standard S5 academic entry requirements: AAAAB.

Minimum academic entry requirements: S5 minimum requirement = ABBB. (These are the minimum Grades which an applicant must have obtained by the end of S5 (cumulative S4 and S5) in order to be considered for a conditional offer based on S6 results. Not all applicants who achieve the Minimum Academic Entry Requirements will be made an offer. This will depend on the number of applications received and the number of applicants who have met the Standard Academic Entry Requirements). Applicants who are made a conditional offer must achieve the Standard S6 Academic Entry Requirements noted below.

Standard S6 Academic Entry Requirements: AAAAAB

Other mandatory requirements: Higher English OR a humanities subject at grade B or above. National 5 Mathematics at grade B or above.

We adjust these entry requirements for eligible applicants, from AABBB at S5/S6, based upon completion of a pre-entry programme. For pre-entry programme eligibility and adjusted grade requirements, see Access Glasgow.

Accepted humanities and languages Highers

Higher applicants to Social Sciences MA (Soc Sci) degrees must attain, or have attained, either English Higher or another humanities/language/social science Higher subject to have their application considered. The accepted humanities/languages/social science Higher subjects are listed below:

Business Management

Cantonese

Classical studies

Drama

Economics

English

English for Speakers of Other Languages

French

Gaelic

Geography

German

History

Italian

Latin

Mandarin

Media

Modern Studies

Music

Philosophy

Politics

Psychology

Religious Education

Religious Moral and Philosophical Studies

Sociology

Spanish

Urdu

International Baccalaureate

Standard academic entry requirements: 38 points.

Minimum academic entry requirements: 34 points.

Other mandatory requirements: Must include three HL subjects at 6,6,6. Applicants must have English and a humanities subject. Whilst HL6 is preferred for both these subjects SL6 may be considered for ONE. SL4 Mathematics or Mathematical Studies.

European qualifications

Please note: all A-Level, International Baccalaureate, and other EU entry requirements must be achieved in first sitting.

BAcc

A-levels

Standard academic entry requirements: AAA or A*AB.

Minimum academic entry requirements: ABB.

Other mandatory requirements: Must include A-level Mathematics AND GCSE English at Grade B or above.

Highers

Standard S5 academic entry requirements: AAAAB.

Minimum academic entry requirements: S5 minimum requirement = ABBB. (These are the minimum Grades which an applicant must have obtained by the end of S5 (cumulative S4 and S5) in order to be considered for a conditional offer based on S6 results. Not all applicants who achieve the Minimum Academic Entry Requirements will be made an offer. This will depend on the number of applications received and the number of applicants who have met the Standard Academic Entry Requirements). Applicants who are made a conditional offer must achieve the Standard S6 Academic Entry Requirements noted below.

Standard S6 Academic Entry Requirements: AAAAAB.

Other mandatory requirements: Must include Higher Mathematics AND Higher English OR a humanities subject at grade B or above.

We adjust these entry requirements for eligible applicants, from AABBB at S5/S6, based upon completion of a pre-entry programme: see Access Glasgow.

International Baccalaureate

Standard academic entry requirements: 38 points.

Minimum academic entry requirements: 34 points.

Other mandatory requirements: Three HL subjects at 6,6,6 including Mathematics. English preferred at HL6 but SL6 will also be considered. Mathematics Studies is NOT accepted where Mathematics is required.

European qualifications

Please note: all A-Level, International Baccalaureate, and other EU entry requirements must be achieved in first sitting.

BSc (Hons)

A-levels

Standard academic entry requirements: AAB.

Minimum academic entry requirements: BBB.

Other mandatory requirements: Minimum of one relevant science subject required for all science degrees. We expect that students will pass the practical assessment of A-level sciences. Must include Mathematics at Grade B or above.

Highers

Standard S5 academic entry requirements: AAAA or AAABB.

Minimum academic entry requirements: S5 minimum requirement = ABBB. (These are the minimum Grades which an applicant must have obtained by the end of S5 (cumulative S4 and S5) in order to be considered for a conditional offer based on S6 results. Not all applicants who achieve the Minimum Academic Entry Requirements will be made an offer. This will depend on the number of applications received and the number of applicants who have met the Standard Academic Entry Requirements). Applicants who are made a conditional offer must achieve the Standard S6 Academic Entry Requirements noted below.

Standard S6 Academic Entry Requirements: AAAAAB.

Other mandatory requirements: Minimum of two science subjects at Higher level. National 5 Mathematics at Grade B or above.

We adjust these entry requirements for eligible applicants, from AABB at S5/S6, based upon completion of a pre-entry programme.Ffor pre-entry programme eligibility and adjusted grade requirements, see Access Glasgow.

International Baccalaureate

Standard academic entry requirements: 36 points.

Minimum academic entry requirements: 34 points.

Other mandatory requirements: Three HL subjects at 6,6,5. Applicants must have a minimum of two science subjects, one of which is relevant to the programme applied for. While HL6 is preferred for both science subjects, SL6 may be considered for ONE. Mathematics at SL6 or HL6 (Mathematics Studies is NOT accepted).

Accepted Science subjects

Please note: all A-Level, International Baccalaureate, and other EU entry requirements must be achieved in first sitting.

LLB (Hons)

A-levels

Standard academic entry requirements: AAA.

Minimum academic entry requirements: N/A.

Other mandatory requirements: A-level English OR GCSE English Literature and Language. LNAT (see below).

Highers

Standard S5 academic entry requirements: AAAAA

Minimum academic entry requirements: S5 minimum requirement = AABBB (These are the minimum Grades which an applicant must have obtained by the end of S5 (cumulative S4 and S5) in order to be considered for a conditional offer based on S6 results. Not all applicants who achieve the Minimum Academic Entry Requirements will be made an offer. This will depend on the number of applications received and the number of applicants who have met the Standard Academic Entry Requirements). Applicants who are made a conditional offer must achieve the Standard S6 Academic Entry Requirements noted below.

We adjust these entry requirements for eligible applicants, from ABBBB at S5, based upon completion of a pre-entry programme. See Access Glasgow for pre-entry programme eligibility and adjusted grade requirements.

International Baccalaureate

Standard academic entry requirements: 38 points.

Minimum academic entry requirements: 34 points.

Other mandatory requirements: English at HL6. LNAT (see below).

Law National Admissions Test (LNAT)

Law National Admissions Test (LNAT): Applicants to all LLB degrees ( apart from those applying for the fast track M115) are required to take the LNAT test by 20 January 2017. The LNAT is run by a consortium of UK universities and comprises a two-hour on-screen test made up of multiple choice (80 minutes) and essay questions (40 minutes). It is designed to assess verbal reasoning skills and command of written English. The test can be taken by applicants at centres throughout the UK and overseas. Information on how to sit the test can be found at: www.lnat.ac.uk.

Please note: all A-Level, International Baccalaureate, and other EU entry requirements must be achieved in first sitting.

MA (Hons)

A-levels

Standard academic entry requirements: AAB.

Minimum academic entry requirements: BBB.

Other mandatory requirements: One A-level arts, humanities or language subject.

Highers

Standard S5 academic entry requirements: AAAA or AAABB.

Minimum academic entry requirements: S5 minimum requirement = ABBB. (These are the minimum Grades which an applicant must have obtained by the end of S5 (cumulative S4 and S5) in order to be considered for a conditional offer based on S6 results. Not all applicants who achieve the Minimum Academic Entry Requirements will be made an offer. This will depend on the number of applications received and the number of applicants who have met the Standard Academic Entry Requirements). Applicants who are made a conditional offer must achieve the Standard S6 Academic Entry Requirements noted below.

Standard S6 Academic Entry Requirements: AAAAAB.

Other mandatory requirements: Higher English AND a Higher humanities OR language subject at grade A/B or B/A. National 5 Mathematics at Grade B or above.

We adjust these entry requirements for eligible applicants, from AABB at S5/S6, based upon completion of a pre-entry programme. For pre-entry programme eligibility and adjusted grade requirements, see Access Glasgow.

Accepted humanities and languages Highers

Higher applicants to Arts MA degrees must attain, or have attained, grades A/B or B/A at Higher in English Higher and another humanities/language/social science Higher subject at their first sitting to have their application considered. The accepted humanities/languages/social science Higher subjects are listed below:

Business Management

Cantonese

Classical studies

Drama

Economics

English

English for Speakers of Other Languages

French

Gaelic

Geography

German

History

Italian

Latin

Mandarin

Media

Modern Studies

Music

Philosophy

Politics

Psychology

Religious Education

Religious Moral and Philosophical Studies

Sociology

Spanish

Urdu

International Baccalaureate

Standard academic entry requirements: 36 points.

Minimum academic entry requirements: 34 points.

Other mandatory requirements: Must include three HL subjects at 6,6,5 including English AND a humanities subject (or language). While HL6 is preferred for English and Humanities/Language subjects, SL6 will be considered for ONE of the subjects.

European qualifications

A-level and IB applicants can expect offers to be between the minimum and standard entry requirements depending on demand for places on the degree.

Please note: all A-Level, International Baccalaureate, and other EU entry requirements must be achieved in first sitting.

Note

No previous knowledge of economics is required for entry to first year. You will find it advantageous to have studied Maths at Higher, A-level or equivalent as you will use mathematical techniques and reasoning to varying extents throughout your studies in economics.

Glasgow International College

International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of foundation certificates.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):

IGCSE: English as a First Language (0500/0522): C in Reading and Writing, plus 1 in Listening, 2 in Speaking, where applicable. All four components (listening, writing, speaking, reading) must be examined and detailed on results slip

IGCSE: English as a Second Language (0510/0511): A in Reading and Writing, plus A in Listening, 2/B in Speaking, where applicable. All four components (listening, writing, speaking, reading) must be examined and detailed on results slip

Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English: ISEII at Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests

* Please note that TOEFL is still acceptable for admission to this programme for both home/EU and international students.

For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use TOEFL to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level courses. We therefore still accept TOEFL tests taken in the last two years for admission to this programme.

Pre-sessional coursesThe University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

FAQs

What do I do if...

my language qualifications are below the requirements?

The University's School of Modern Languages and Cultures offers a range of Pre-Sessional Courses to bring you up to entry level. The course is accredited by BALEAP, the UK professional association for academic English teaching; see Links.

Visa requirements and proof of English language level

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details.

Scholarships

We offer a wide range of scholarships to our undergraduates, including both home/EU and international students. The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That’s why we’ve invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding in recent years.

RUK Access Bursary 2018 Entry

The bursary supports talented students who might not be able to take a place at University for reasons of financial hardship and available to new entrant full-time undergraduate students of the University of Glasgow who are fully registered for Session 2018-19 as being domiciled in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and paying annual tuition fees of £9,250 per annu

RUK Excellence Scholarship 2018

University of Glasgow/Glasgow International College Achievement Award

In conjunction with GIC we are pleased to reward our best-performing students who finish the Foundation or Pre-masters course with excellent grades and attendance. This is awarded as a one off tuition fee discount of £3,000

The scholarships above are specific to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database

How to apply

If you’re seeking full-time study you must apply through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

UCAS deadlines

The deadlines for applications to Medicine, Vet Medicine and Dentistry is 15 October each year. The deadline for applications to all other degree programmes is 15 January each year.

The University of Glasgow does not usually accept any applications after these UCAS deadlines. It is the applicants' responsibility to ensure the accuracy of their application prior to submission, and requests from applicants to correct erroneous application content, change degree programme or change college of entry, will not be accepted after these UCAS deadlines. This policy is in place to ensure fairness and consistency to all applicants, and no exceptions will be made.

15 October: if including Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or applying to Oxford or Cambridge

15 January: all other UK/EU applicants (unless otherwise stated on the UCAS website)

30 June: international (non-EU) students.

Apply at www.ucas.com or through your school or college. Contact UCAS on 0871 468 0468.

UCAS tariff points

The University does not frame its offers in terms of UCAS tariff points.

How soon will I receive a decision?

We will usually respond before the end of March.

If your qualifications meet our requirements and we believe you could benefit from study at Glasgow, you will receive an unconditional offer.

If you haven’t yet gained the necessary passes for entry to your chosen subject(s), we may look at the qualifications you are taking when you apply and make you a conditional offer.

Will I be interviewed?

An interview will be part of the selection process for: Community Development, Dentistry, History of Art & Art-world Practice, Medicine, Music, Nursing, Teaching, and Veterinary Medicine & Surgery. You may also be interviewed if you’re applying for entry into Year 2 in any subject.

Is deferred entry available?

For Dentistry, Nursing and Veterinary Medicine programmes we are unable to consider applications for deferred entry. In other cases deferring may be possible but it’s not granted automatically.

University Transfers

Transfers from another University to the University of Glasgow will only be considered under the following circumstances:

The applicant has a genuine personal circumstance (illness, bereavement or other family situation) which requires the student to move back to their home town to be closer to family; AND

The applicant would have met the University of Glasgow entrance requirements at the time he/she went to the other institution. In exceptional circumstances, a student may be admitted if he/she was marginally below the University of Glasgow entrance requirements, and they have performed above average at the other institution.

Widening participation

We want to help talented applicants from all backgrounds to study at Glasgow. See our range of widening access pre-entry programmes at Widening Participation.

Apply at www.ucas.com or through your school or college. Contact UCAS on 0871 468 0468.